Tag: gamer

Malory reveals being a low-key theater trash…and also talks about Pokémon Go.

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I love Les Misérables! And no, not the anime ‘Shoujo Cosette’. I love the book and the musical. Sure I identify as an otaku, but I also love musicals!

Anyway, that’s not my topic here. I want to talk about something I recently fell in love with–the augmented reality game, Pokémon Go. Say what you must about it, but I really like the game and its effects on me and other people.

Some people (particularly my family) are annoyed about how it has become too mainstream within a short period of time following its release. The thing is, Pokémon is a huge part of the lives of the newer generations. We watched it, we played it, we sang its songs and memorized the names of its creatures. Our generation has breathed Pokémon. To those aware of this, Pokémon Go becoming a big hit would be of no surprise at all. We have waited for ‘Go’ ever since its development was announced. Hence it irks me that people hate on ‘Go’ players. They don’t know how much the existence of such an advanced game carrying a theme from our childhood affects us so. Really, please just let us enjoy the game.

Upon reaching level 5 in the game, players get to choose between three teams: Instinct, Mystic and Valor. ‘Go’ had just been released in the Philippines on August 6 but, like the rest of the world, it immediately boomed here. Even government offices acknowledged it! Even before its Philippine release though, I was dead-set on joining one team…Team Valor.

Lately, friends have remarked how fierce of a Valor I am. I tell them that it’s because I really love the team and list three reasons why:

Candela, our team leader, is GORGEOUS.

I agree with the team’s values.

I was born on the Philippines’ Day of Valor (April 9).

For me, Valor embodies the motivation to “be the very best like no one ever was” and that’s exactly what drives me when playing Pokémon. I also believe I have strategic advantage being in that team since my area is dominated by Valor. I take deep pride in being part of this team.

The Valor stereotype is competitive and relentless, fiercely fighting for gyms and guarding them. We’re all about the battle and gaining strength. And according to a video by MatPat, extroverts tend to choose the outgoing Team Valor. Being an ENTP in my most recent MBTI result, I can attest to that. I am aggressively passionate about this game and it has also led me to freely approach other players outdoors to share information . This is one effect that ‘Go’ has on me, I have become more driven and extroverted.

Even in the office where I’m spending my internship, ‘Go’ seems to have loosened communication. Ever since its release, Pokémon Go has been a constant conversation topic. Being the communication geek that I am, it makes me very happy.

Like in most games, gratification is a main motivation for playing Pokémon Go and what makes it great is that it provides both immediate and delayed gratification. Of course, with its augmented reality feature, the game is guaranteed to be engaging. I also need to thank it for making everyday a leg day for me.

But no matter how passionate we are about something, always remember to practice moderation. At the end of the day, Pokémon Go is just a game and barely a lifestyle. Games are for making friends, strengthening bonds and improving oneself; not for hate and making enemies.